President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has launched an African fellowship programme aimed at supporting emerging leaders from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and non-business entities to participate in the Young Global Leaders Community.
This Africa leadership program is designed as an accelerator for a dynamic community of exceptional youths with the vision, courage, and influence to drive positive change on a global scale.
In collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), the fellowship program seeks to ensure the full engagement of young African leaders from SMEs and non-business entities in the Forum’s Young Global Leaders Community.
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Fellowship Details and Commitment
The Aliko Dangote African Fellowship covers the participation costs for selected individuals at World Economic Forum (WEF) and YGL-led events for six years. This generous commitment provides access and opportunities for emerging African leaders who may not have otherwise been able to participate in these influential gatherings.
Acknowledging Dangote’s Support and Encouragement
Zouera Youssoufou, the Managing Director/CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), expressed her gratitude to Aliko Dangote for his continuous support of the Young Global Leaders (YGLs) and assured him that his investment is yielding significant results. She noted that the young global leaders are making remarkable strides in their respective fields and are living up to the expectations of being true African future leaders.
During the event, Dangote encouraged the YGLs to remain steadfast in their endeavours and not be discouraged by setbacks, reminding them that “Nothing is Impossible.”
Diversity and Representation in 2023 Cohort
Fatima Aliko Dangote, Executive Director of Dangote Industries, expressed pride in the diversity and high proportion of female fellows in the 2023 Cohort. This year, nine selected YGLs represent various sectors, including media/arts/entertainment, technology & innovation, health, and government.
A Meeting of Minds at ADF-YGL Lagos Convening
The ADF-YGL Lagos Convening, which took place on September 8th, provided an excellent opportunity for current and alumni YGL Africa Fellows to engage with Alhaji Aliko Dangote at the site of his ambitious Lekki Petroleum complex. These emerging leaders interacted with Aliko Dangote and senior executives of the Dangote Group, gaining inspiration from his vision and engaging in informal conversations about their journey as YGLs and the impact of the community on their personal and professional development.
Impressed alumni described Aliko Dangote as “the best hope for Africa” after touring the fertiliser and refinery complex. Victor Ochen, an Aliko Dangote YGL alumnus and Executive Director of the African Youth Initiative Network, commended Aliko Dangote’s investments in Africa and his generosity in providing financial support for young African leaders to participate in YGL events.
“I am so happy with what Dangote is doing in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. This is a man that is investing in the youth through his foundation and employing tens of thousands of Africans in his various plants. I thank Dangote for his generosity, which has provided many young African leaders, regardless of the country, the much-needed financial means to participate in YGL events. Without the support of ADF, our active participation would not have been possible,” Ochen stated.
WEF YGL Programme: A Legacy of Impact
The World Economic Forum’s YGL programme, in its 20th year, nominates up to 200 outstanding young leaders under 40 for a six-year membership period. A 12-year collaboration with Dangote has enriched the program, adding a significant African perspective and ensuring diversity within the YGL community. Currently, around 80 active members from Africa, 75 percent of whom are eligible for the Dangote Fellowship, play a vital role in influencing global decisions where impactful discussions and decisions take place.